Back by popular demand, a “Texas vs. The World” tasting was on the agenda at the Perini Ranch’s recent Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit.

This extensive wine tasting was expertly conducted by Wes Marshall, award-winning author of The Wine Roads of Texas. It was a blind tasting, meaning that tasters did not know the identity of the wines.

So, we all sniffed and sipped a series of mystery wines and waved our hands to vote for favorites.

When the wines’ identities were disclosed, Texas wines once again showed their worth.

In the sauvignon blanc flight, Llano Estacado Sauvignon Blanc 2007 ($9) won over the crowd despite being paired against far more expensive wines.

The viognier tasting ended in a tie between Becker Viognier 2007 ($15) and Brennan Viognier 2007 ($19). These are both fragrant, balanced and peachy wines, with the latter having a hint of sweetness.

In the chardonnay flight, Becker Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2006 ($22) bested the highly regarded Clos Du Val Napa Valley Chardonnay 2006 ($24).

California deserves honorable mention, however, because the second favorite was Meeker’s Lobster Cove Chardonnay 2005 ($13), tough to beat at that price.

The top merlot was Fall Creek Merlot 2005 ($12), another great value. Fall Creek Meritus 2004 ($40) and Becker Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ($27) showed beautifully in the cabernet sauvignon flight.

Last but not least, the syrah flight had votes divided among Becker’s flavorful Prairie Roti 2005 ($16), Brennan’s balanced Syrah 2006 ($17) and McPherson’s lighter-bodied Tre Colore 2006 ($14).

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